Raiders vice-captain Brett White has backed changes to the NRL finals system which make it almost impossible for a team outside the top four to win the competition.
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In the first major play by the new Australian Rugby League Commission yesterday, the finals format will change from the system which has been part of the premiership since 1999 in favour of the AFL model.
The competition will now split the top four and the bottom four finalists into separate pools in week one.
Under the old McIntyre system, the eight finalists were seeded so the top four played the bottom four, with the possibility the third-placed team could be knocked out after week one depending on other results.
The top two teams were also forced to play away from home if they lost in the first week.
With the new format, each of the top four teams needs to win two finals matches to reach the grand final, while the bottom four-ranked teams must win three.
The minor premiers and second-placed team are each guaranteed two home games.
''It's probably a good idea. We all know finals football is another competition, but at least you get that reward for the work that's put in throughout the season,'' White said.
The Raiders had mixed success under the old system.
They finished sixth in 2008, but a loss to the Sharks in week one and the Warriors' upset over the Storm ensured Canberra was bundled out.
Two years ago, the seventh-placed Raiders stunned the Panthers and earned a home semi-final against the Tigers.
History suggests the new system heavily favours the top four.
In the 12 seasons it has been implemented by the AFL, no team outside the top four has won the premiership.
The Sydney Swans in 2006 are the only fourth-placed team to have progressed to the grand final.
Raiders prop David Shillington had no issue with the existing finals system but was content with the change being so close to the new season.
''Either way I think it's going to work out well,'' Shillington said.
''With the new system it's vital we finish in the top four, win our first semi and get a week off. We'll see how it goes this year, I'll support it regardless.''
The recommendation to the commission follows an extensive review process conducted by ARLC general manager of football operations Nathan McGuirk.
''An overwhelming majority of clubs have shifted their support away from the McIntyre system and to one where the top four teams play each other in week one,'' he said. ''It offers greater protection for the top four teams and the possibility of even closer matches.'' - with AAP
